Style Harmony

Putting an outfit together is already overwhelming for some, what more matching two or more prints in one outfit! It takes an artistic eye to be able to do that and make the outfit work. But the understanding of some basic design principles can help you to mix prints beautifully.

Study my mixed prints choices as shown above:

1. Graphic patterns can be mixed with something understated like stripes. Choose stripes that are further apart as the large space in between stripes makes the clothing less busy looking when paired with a graphic top or bottom.

2. When mixing 2 or 3 prints together, ensure that at least one colour is repeated all over the oufit. The blue floral scraf repeats the colour of the plaid dress.

3. Similarly, you can repeat the lines from top to bottom. For example, a polka dot blouse goes well with a floral skirt as both the prints are made up of curved lines. So there is a repetition in the lines here.

4. Reverse the background colours by pairing a white blouse with black motifs and a pair of pants with the reverse colours; black background and white prints.

Best to stick to 2 prints at most and apply the principle of repetition.

Share with us your favourite prints for summer.

Summer Style by melissa151065 featuring flower rings

As Spring makes way for the sky blue and restful summer season, the bright cheery colours of Spring start to fade as flower blooms fall. The trees begin to bear fruits at this time, sprouting summer greens under the cool blue sky. The colours of the summer season are soft, muted and quiet. Whites, blues, greens, browns and grays dominate the summer colour palette. For those of you who are not into flowers and ruffles, you can still wear summer styles and look chic. A sky blue denim shirt tucked into a long white skirt with a skinny belt can look understated, yet stylish. Pair a crisp cotton floral blouse with a solid colour A-line skirt for work. Pretty floral dresses or shorts with metallic sandals would be the perfect get-up for going to the movies or brunch. Floppy hats and long strap purses are the key accessories this summer. Check out some of the Hollywood celebrities’ summer get-ups and be inspired!

Which is your favourite fashion season, Spring or Summer and why?

Cool aides for summertime by melissa151065 featuring cotton blouses

When I walked into Zara yesterday, I immediately felt a sense of serenity, gentleness and restfulness. No, I am not referring to its customer service! (Note: Zara received poor ratings during a recent mystery shopping test in Singapore and its management is looking towards improvement measures.) It is summer fashion time and just about every store you walk into now are filled with racks of  pastel floral dresses and white shorts, evoking a genteel and sweet atmosphere. Such is the nature of the summer season palette; delicate, fragile, soft and muted. You will see a lot of small wild flower prints, wood sandals, straw tote bags and denim shorts in an array of colours. The summer girl style is definitely girly, charming, a bit country, flowy soft fabrics and quiet colours like whites, grays, baby blues, lilac and sweet pink. So what are this summer’s must-haves? Here’s my top ten:

1. Long skirt
2. Denim shorts
3. Loose cotton denim shirt
4. Straw tote bag
5. Floppy hat
6. Floral scarf
7. Skinny leather belt
8. Wedges/Wooden sandals
9. Eyelet dress
10. Peasant blouse

Do you have any favourite summer must-haves?